Royal Teeth is a happy accident. On a whim, the New Orleans-based band started incorporating samples and electronics to its indie vibe. Though this sounds mainstream, the band catches audiences off-guard with its memorable male and female vocal hooks.
More than ever, the band has cemented its stylistic sound. Before, the lineup changed from show-to-show. Now, the six members are set, ready for royalty.
Download Act Naturally EP @ http://royalteeth.bandcamp.com/album/act-naturally/
Band members:
Gary Larsen (singer)
Nora Patterson (singer)
Joshua Wells (bass)
Josh Hefner (drums)
Stevie Billeaud (guitar)
Andrew Poe (keyboard)
Debut EP - "Act Naturally" (2011)
The band released their debut EP Act Naturally in 2011.
Debut Album - "Glow" (2013)
After signing with Dangerbird Records, Royal Teeth released their long awaited debut album Glow on August 13th 2013, featuring 11 tracks.
American Idol appearance (2014)
On March 20th 2014, the band appeared on American Idol on the Fox network in the US, where they performed their breakout single "Wild". The track had featured as one of NPR’s Austin 100 to preview SXSW 2014.
Paper Cut
Royal Teeth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know I tear you down, but you're here in my bed again
You are a rattlesnake
Should have heard you coming
Should have heard you coming
You are a papercut
And the blood is running
And the blood is running
Oh man I swear to god you drive me insane,
But I let you sabotage just about everything
I thought I had enough,
But you keep me coming
But you keep me coming
You are a papercut
And the blood is running
And the blood is running
Hey,
Can't eat your heart out
We've got this figured out
You're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
You're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
We're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
We're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
Hey,
Can't eat your heart out
We've got this figured out
You do your best to get up under my skin
Bite your nails, pull my hair
I don't care I'll let you win
You're always making up,
But you're good for nothing
But you're good for nothing
You are a papercut
And the blood is running
And the blood is running
We're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
We're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
We're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
We're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
We the best, But I don't care about the rest
A perfect mess
We're a mess, but I don't care
No more, no less a perfect mess
Hey,
Can't eat your heart out
We've got this figured out
Lalalalalala
Lalalalalala
Lalalalalala
Lalalalalala
Lalalalalala
The lyrics of Royal Teeth's "Paper Cut" depict a relationship that is both destructive and irresistible. The catchy chorus proclaims that the person the singer is addressing is a "papercut" who is causing the "blood" of their relationship to run. While the person in question may be "good for nothing," they keep coming back to each other, no matter how much they tear each other apart.
The first verse shows the person caught "making out with the back of their hand," perhaps a moment of self-love that signals they do not need the singer as much as the singer needs them. The second verse is full of conflict as the singer acknowledges that this person is driving them "insane." Yet, they let them sabotage their lives, admitting that they "thought [they] had enough" but cannot resist this papercut.
Throughout the song, the repetitions of "We're a mess, but I don't care, no more no less a perfect mess," suggest that this relationship, though damaging, is also uniquely satisfying. The outcome of this relationship is uncertain, but what is clear is that it is not easy to quit.
Line by Line Meaning
I caught you making out with the back of your hand
I saw you pretending to kiss your hand as if it was someone else
I know I tear you down, but you're here in my bed again
Even though I criticize and hurt you, you keep coming back to me
You are a rattlesnake
You are dangerous and unpredictable
Should have heard you coming
I should have realized your true intentions earlier
You are a papercut
You may seem harmless, but you still hurt me
And the blood is running
Even though it's a small wound, it still hurts and causes bleeding
Oh man I swear to god you drive me insane,
You make me feel crazy and frustrated
But I let you sabotage just about everything
I allow you to ruin and destroy everything I have
I thought I had enough,
I believed I had the strength to resist you
But you keep me coming
You keep pulling me back to you, even though I know it's not good for me
Hey, Can't eat your heart out We've got this figured out
Don't be jealous, we know how to handle ourselves
You're a mess, but I don't care
Even though you have problems and issues, I still love you
No more, no less a perfect mess
Despite our imperfections, we are perfect for each other
You do your best to get up under my skin
You try hard to annoy me and make me mad
Bite your nails, pull my hair
You do things that are painful or uncomfortable for me
I don't care I'll let you win
I don't mind losing or giving in to you
You're always making up,
You constantly apologize or make excuses for your behavior
But you're good for nothing
You don't contribute anything positive to our relationship
We the best, But I don't care about the rest
We are the best together, even if others don't approve
Lalalalalala Lalalalalala Lalalalalala Lalalalalala Lalalalalala
These lines are nonsensical, and only serve as a repeated chorus
Contributed by Audrey A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.